James Enters Margot's Haven

James turned away from Liam’s door. He couldn’t help but feel a bit frustrated. The whole family united at the kitchen table having their first dinner would have made a good start in the new house. But he should be glad that his son felt safe and calm enough to find some sleep after the rough reception.

James had always prided himself on being level-headed, the kind of man who could manage a crisis with calm authority. But even he couldn’t completely shake away an odd feeling of uneasiness as he wandered deeper into the gloomy labyrinth of the old house to call for Lisa.

He reached Lisa’s door and knocked. As there was no answer, he gently called “Lisa? You’re awake?”, his voice echoing faintly down the dimly lit corridor. The flickering light of the antique electric sconces cast long shadows across the walls, making everything seem more sinister than it should have been. His calm was beginning to crack.

The house had a way of swallowing sound. And he couldn’t shake the absurd feeling that he was being watched.

“Lisa, are you in there?” James called again, his voice firmer this time.

No response.

He was about to retreat to the kitchen. But no, he knew that Helen would be disappointed if he returned without both their children. He wanted to see her happy again. A dinner with her daughter would go a long way towards getting her there.

Their relationship wasn’t as good as it used to be. He knew that his wife didn’t like the idea of moving to such a remote location. Sitting alone in the kitchen would only lead to another argument whether to live here or to sell the estate. He couldn’t stand that. Not now.

With a resigned sigh, he knocked a third time and pushed the heavy doors open.

The room beyond was lavish and feminine, with deep red velvet drapes framing tall arched windows that let in slivers of moonlight. An ornate canopy bed, draped in sheer black fabric, sat at the center of the room, and the scent of roses hung heavy in the air.

“Lisa?” James said again, his voice wavering, stepping cautiously inside.

He didn’t see his daughter.

But he wasn’t alone.

“Looking for someone?”

The woman’s voice was low and sultry, sending a shiver down his spine. He turned sharply, and there she was — Margot.

She stood behind him, leaning lightly against the wooden frame of the door. Her sheer near-transparent gown clung to her in all the right places, leaving little to the imagination. Her pale skin seemed to glow faintly in the moonlight, and her dark eyes glittered with amusement.

James swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry.

“Aunt Margot,” he said, giving her a curt bow. “Where’s my daughter?”

Margot tilted her head, her red lips curling into a smile. “Your daughter is... safe,” she said slowly, as if savoring the words. “For now.”

James took a step closer, his fists clenching at his sides. “What does that mean? Where is she?”

Margot sighed, pushing off the frame and taking a slow, deliberate step toward him. Her movements were impossibly graceful, almost like she was gliding rather than walking. The door behind her flew shut with a loud bang that made James jump. He was locked-in with the ghost.

“You worry so much, James,” she said softly. “It’s endearing, really. But unnecessary.”

He stood his ground, though every instinct in his body told him to back away. “What do you want with my family?”

Margot’s smile widened, and she came to a stop just a single foot from him. “Your family?” she echoed, her tone teasing. “Oh, James. You’re so focused on them, and yet you’ve hardly stopped to think about yourself.”

He frowned, confused. “What are you talking about? That’s not about me.”

“Oh yes, me dear James, it is.”

She reached out, her cold fingers brushing lightly against his cheek. He flinched but didn’t move away.

“Tell me something,” she said, her voice dropping to a whisper. “When was the last time you felt truly happy?”

James blinked, caught off guard by the question. “What?”

“You heard me,” Margot said, her fingers trailing down his chest. “When was the last time you felt... desire? Passion? When was the last time you lived out your own needs, James?”

Her touch made him shiver and feel hot at the same time.

“James. You deserve to take something for yourself, just once.”

Her words were like a poison, seeping into his mind and clouding his thoughts. He knew he should step back, should leave the room and return to Helen. But Margot’s presence was overwhelming, her voice a seductive melody he couldn’t ignore.

“Stop it,” he said, though his voice lacked conviction.

“Why?” Margot whispered, her face now just inches from his. “Why fight it? You’re in my house now, James. And here...” She leaned in, her lips brushing lightly against his ear as she finished, “...you play by my rules.”

He wavered, his heart racing and his mind spinning. But Margot wasn’t finished with him, not by a long way.

“I’ll show you,” she said, her voice light and mocking. “Just let me do it.”